The B.C. Liberal Government under Gordon Campbell have taken aim at workers rights once again. In June, the government introduced amendments to the Labour Relations Code, the Employment Standards Act and the WCB Act. The three amendments gut worker rights in a number of areas.

"It’s an employer bill of rights that will take the economy back to the days of absolute employer control over hours, working conditions and employee rights," says B.C. Federation of Labour President Jim Sinclair. The BCFL completed an analysis of the three bills, showing that workers will see their legal rights and their incomes erode.

Under the amendments the purpose of the labour relations board (LRB) now includes making sure businesses remain viable. Among new duties imposed upon the LRB include "fostering employment of workers in economically viable businesses."

"The B.C. Board could now refuse a certification application because the company ‘can’t afford it’," says AFL President Les Steel.

Changes to the Employment Standards Act mimic recent amendments in Ontario. "Flexible work partnerships" will eliminate the 40 hour work week, allowing employers to avoid paying overtime. Other changes include taking vacation pay and statutory holidays away from part time employees and exempting unionized members from basic employment protection.

The WCB Act is being amended to cut workers benefits from between 10% to 79%. CPP Disability benefits will now be clawed back, cost of living adjustments are being gutted and the overall compensation level is being reduced by 10% on average.

"This is a massive transfer of power and money from workers to employers," says Sinclair.

The latest amendments are the third wave of attacks on B.C.’s labour laws since Campbell came to power a year ago.

Side Bar:

Major Changes in B.C. Labour Laws: